Conference Summation

South African SMEs are Gearing-up for the Global Challenge

The climate is right. The opportunities are there. The interest is immense. This was the reason for 180 representatives of mainly small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to come together for this highly successful one-day conference focussing on current export opportunities in the form of preferential trade agreements, export incentive schemes, government subsidies, facilitation & support programmes, feasible markets and favourable exchange rates.

The purpose of the conference was to assist South African SMEs who already export or who want to start exporting by:

Presenting an overview of export opportunities and feasible export markets
Encouraging SMEs to take advantage of these export opportunities
Equipping SMEs with the specific tools needed to succeed in the export business
Providing a networking opportunity with relevant stakeholders
Identifying SMEs with exporter potential for further mentoring and participation in trade missions

An impressive panel of high profile speakers covered a wide range of topics concerning current and potential SME exporters, such as preferential trade agreements, export incentive schemes, export finance, effective marketing tools, matchmaking, complying with international standards, credit risks and logistics solutions.

An exhibition of relevant organisations surrounded the event. The Department of Trade and Industry, Trade and Investment South Africa, the South African Chamber of Business, Proudly South African, Safcor Panalpina, Ferrostaal/Ferroman, Peoples Bank, the SA-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the British Chamber of Business, the Italian-SA Chamber of Commerce as well as British Trade and Investment were represented.

The feedback from participants, both delegates and speakers, has been extremely positive. The evaluation forms reflected 97% of the attendees replying being in strong agreement/agreement that all their objectives and expectations in respect to conference format, programme content, speakers, venue facilities, the solicitation of knowledge and relevant issues had been met. More than 80% of returned feedback forms indicated a strong interest in a follow-up conference. Here are some of the comments:

Well considered, broad base of export issues.
Very strong speakers, high quality presentations.
Great Day! A rare & wonderful day. I have not seen any company that has been able to get such a wonderful group of speakers at one time!
The width and structure of the conference made you aware of the issues involved.
Identified/crystallised the areas I need to concentrate on as a SMME-exporter.
The strongest aspect of the conference? – Diversity.
Fantastic presentation by Ian McLean of Omega!
Well organised and covered all relevant aspects of exporting for SMEs.
Plenty of short, interesting, pertinent topics and knowledgeable speakers.
Up to date info on export rules & regulations, export schemes & incentives, freight logistics and forms of payment.
Very clued up on the latest export regulations and incentives, very motivating.
This was one of the best conferences I've ever attended. Congratulations!

Following the successful event, Omega has launched the official TRADE 2002 resource CD, which includes unedited transcripts of all speeches and case studies, all presentations made at the event, contact details, brochures, web links and more. The CD can be ordered from us on tel. (021) 689 7881.

Conference speakers and their topics: